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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a comprehensive science that studies human health and disease, as well as disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and health care. The earliest records of TCM can be traced back to the oracle bone inscriptions period. The theoretical system of TCM was formed about 3,000 years ago. Acupuncture, one of the most recognized TCM therapies, has been practiced in China for thousands of years. It treats diseases by activating specific areas called acupoints on the patient's body. When these acupoints are fully activated, sensations of soreness, numbness, fullness, or heaviness called De Qi or achieve Qi are felt by patients or acupuncturist. Qi is an inner energy of human beings and is vital for health according to the TCM theory. Once a state of imbalanced Qi happens, the illness and disease occur. Acupuncture stimulates the acupoints through needles and specific needling manipulations, and regulates the Qi flow into rebalance.

It depends on your insurance.  An increasing number of insurance providers, such as BlueCross BlueShield, Unitedhealth, Medica, now cover all or part of the cost of acupuncture treatments, but they may have restrictions on the types of illnesses covered. Check with your insurance company to see what your policy offers. If your insurance company covers acupuncture, you must file your own claim, we do not file it for you. 

Anyone who's health can improve can benefit from our help. We will work with you to figure out the best way to to integrate our holistic care into your current wellness practices. 

Acupuncture is relatively painless and produces no side effects. However, on occasion, a needle placed in a hair follicle can cause pain. If that happens, tell your practitioner and he or she will re-position the needle. Since acupuncture needles have very thin gauges compared to hypodermic needles, only a minimal pinch is felt as the needle breaks through the skin. After the needles are inserted to the proper depth, the patient may feel tingling of the skin, distention, soreness or pressure radiating from the acupoint. In fact, the correct needle sensation creates a dull, heavy distention, which is well tolerated by adults and children alike. Patients' fears usually subside after their first treatment. Of course, laser, electrode and finger acupuncture can be applied instead of needles, for those patients who are very sensitive to needle sensation.  

Acupuncture is a well-established medical procedure that is safe and effective when practiced by a trained professional. The acupuncturist inserts small, disposable metal needles in the body along the intricate network of meridians or channels. It works by stimulating the body's own restorative and recuperative powers so that good health can be restored. Many people are surprised that acupuncture is employed successfully in both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from such mild issues as headaches to serious medical conditions.  It can treat signs and symptoms as well as the root cause of the problem. 

Patients often wonder whether they can visit a TCM practitioner even if they show no obvious signs of disease. The purpose of visiting a Chinese medical practitioner is not merely to treat an ailment, but more importantly, to support the body's source of Qi and blood so that disease may be prevented. Acupuncture restores balance and prevents disease. Patients who are susceptible to seasonal health conditions like asthma and hay fever, or those who are vulnerable to occupational/professional hazards like carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain, may benefit from preventive care. 

The frequency of acupuncture treatments varies depending on the specific condition and the patient's overall constitution. Each acupuncture treatment normally takes approximately 30min to 45min per session. Results may be felt immediately for acute conditions, or may require several visits for chronic conditions. Depending on the severity of the complaint and the extent to which living patterns exacerbate the problem, a course of treatments can range from six to ten visits. Initially, we suggest treatments twice weekly until symptoms improve, then once a week as the condition subsides. When symptoms are under control, monthly maintenance care is recommended.  

 Acupuncture is safe and effective when practiced by a trained professional like a licensed acupuncturist.  Sterile, single-use filiform needles are used in each treatment per session and they are promptly disposed of once they have done their duty. However, there are some precautions, such as, patients should not undergo acupuncture treatment on an empty stomach as dizziness or fainting can result. If you have Hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, please inform your practitioner so that he or she can help you manage your condition more successfully. Pregnant women should advise their practitioner so stimulation of certain acupuncture points is avoided. Lastly, menstruating women should also inform their doctor so needle stimulation is reduced.